Neck / cervical spine decisions — 2009

The Board granted separate disability ratings for arthritis of the cervical segment of the spine, lumbar segment of the spine, right and left shoulders, and right and left hands.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, cervical spine disability, psoriasis, and bilateral hearing loss as there was no evidence of a continuity of treatment or a medical nexus between his military service and these conditions.

The case is being remanded for additional development and consideration, including providing the Veteran with VCAA notice.

The Board denied a compensable rating for left ear sensorineural hearing loss, and denied increased ratings greater than 30 percent for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and greater than 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The claims of service connection for sleep apnea and a cervical spine disability are remanded for further development.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development of evidence related to the Veteran's claims for service connection and DEA benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased initial evaluation for a cervical spine disability, and service connection for left knee degenerative changes with minimal patellar spurring and right knee disability, including osteochondroma.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development and adjudication of the claim, including consideration of a clear and unmistakable error in a previous rating decision.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the cervical spine disability prior to October 17, 2007 and an evaluation in excess of 20 percent from that date.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for hearing loss and situational anxiety/dysthymia, but denied service connection for hearing loss. The claim for PTSD was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the cervical spine and lumbar spine were granted separate disability ratings, while his generalized osteoarthritis of the hands and elbow did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran does not have cervical radiculopathy, and his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed conditions as there was no evidence of a current diagnosis or that any of the conditions were related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's knee, hearing loss, and low back disabilities, as well as service connection for a cervical spine disability.

The appeal is remanded for further development of the record, including obtaining personnel records and SSA disability records.

The Veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on a need for regular aid and attendance or due to housebound status.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not support higher ratings for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, left and right carpal tunnel syndrome, hyperhidrosis, and left inguinal hernia.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for additional development, including scheduling a hearing and obtaining SSA records.

The Veteran's son is entitled to a monetary allowance under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1805 for spina bifida due to the presence of Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia, which are considered forms and manifestations of spina bifida.

The veteran's vocational goal of becoming a chef or obtaining a job in the field of culinary arts is suitable and reasonably feasible.